+ 
likely that it is the evidences of its work and not the larva itself 
that “grow out;” but for whatever reason, the caterpillar soon leaves 
the more leafy portion of the plant and attacks the stalk at or near 
the ground. Here a hole is cut through the outer wall of the stalk 
and the larva burrows upward for a short distance, after which it 
seems to run aimlessly through the pith, frequently even leaving the 
Fic. 3.—The larger corn stalk-borer: Larva in lower part of corn plant preparatory to 
hibernation. Reduced. (Original.) 
stalk entirely and reentering it at another point. Turning upward, 
the caterpillar, when fully grown, bores toward the outside and 
cuts a circular hole in the outer wall of the stalk. Then, after 
spinning a few loose threads across this opening to keep out un- 
desirable visitors, it retreats a short distance, plugs the burrow below 
with digested pith, and in the chamber thus created slowly changes 
to the next or pupal stage (fig. 4, ¢). 
[Cir. 116] 
